Yesterday was road and bridge day, today is for parks

As part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s post-budget round of happy news, he just put out details about park improvement projects in various parts of the state. This comes a day after Cuomo announced a number of road and bridge repairs. The projects aim to upgrade the state’s creaking infrastructure as well as create construction jobs.

Below are details followed by news about improvements in the Capital Region, including road repairs to the Saratoga Spa and rest room improvements at Grafton parks in Saratoga and Rensselaer counties respectively. Lower down is some info about improvements on Long Island

Capitol Region

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a $6.8 million investment for NY Works projects to upgrade and repair five parks in the Capital Region.

New York Works is designed to reinvent state economic development with innovative new strategy that will put New Yorkers back to work rebuilding the state’s infrastructure. The Task Force will help create tens of thousands of jobs by coordinating comprehensive capital plans, overseeing investment in infrastructure projects, and accelerating hundreds of critical projects across the state.

“New York State has passed for the second year in a row a transformative and balanced budget that holds the line on spending, while focusing on job creation and government efficiency,” Governor Cuomo said. “The centerpiece of this budget is the New York Works program, a new strategy for leveraging capital to put New Yorkers back to work and rebuilding our aging infrastructure including the state park system that is used by so many people across the state.”

Senator Hugh T. Farley said, “New York’s parks and historic sites are treasured resources. It is essential that we make the necessary investments to maintain and enhance these resources for visitors and to preserve them for future generations. The New York Works Fund is a critical tool that will allow the State to undertake these important improvements and create jobs.”

Senator James L. Seward said, “Our parks are one of our state’s greatest natural resources and a strong source of tourist dollars. Preserving, repairing and developing these gems provides families with affordable vacation destinations and bolsters our local economy. Governor Cuomo’s New York Works program melds job creation with recreation in a way that will greatly enhance our state parks.”

Assemblyman Ron Canestrari said, “I am pleased to announce an appropriation of $3 million to stabilize the historic Bleachery building at Peebles Island State Park. This funding will help to keep history alive and enhance educational opportunities of this historic state park.”

The Budget continues the Governor’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while creating jobs and strengthening communities across the state. It closes a multi-billion dollar deficit with no new taxes, fees or gimmicks, limits spending growth to two percent or below for the second year in a row, and launches the New York Works Task Force to invest billions of dollars to rebuild the state’s roads, bridges, parks, and other infrastructure and create tens of thousands of jobs.

The Budget includes key economic development and transportation initiatives, important reforms to improve government efficiency, and measures to strengthen communities across the state.

New York Works Task Force

The New York Works Task Force will coordinate capital plans across 45 agencies and authorities, oversee investment in projects and access to funding, and facilitate the creation of tens of thousands of jobs.

Prior to the New York Works initiative, there was no comprehensive state plan for the $16 billion in annual capital expenditures by 45 state agencies and authorities. In some cases, including with respect to projects by the Port Authority, the MTA, and the Department of Transportation, billions of dollars of taxpayer or commuter funds are being used to fund transportation plans in the same region with no coordination between the agencies. For the first time, the New York Works Task Force will develop a coordinated capital infrastructure plan among agencies and authorities. The Task Force, made up of leaders in finance, labor, planning and transportation will also recommend financing options for projects and methods to accelerate construction of critical infrastructure.

The New York Works Task Force will consist of fifteen members. Nine of the members will be appointed by the Governor and six by the Legislature. All major state agencies and authorities will participate in an implementation council to coordinate capital planning.

All New York Works projects will be posted on the web with real-time updates so that New Yorkers can track the progress of projects in their community. The full list will be posted online over the next several days.

Rebuilding New York’s State Parks

The New York Works Fund will provide $89 million, leveraging $143 million in total funding, to rehabilitate state parks, representing the single largest infusion in history of capital dollars for New York’s parks. Currently, 83% of state parks are deteriorating. Projects will be funded in every region of the state and will enhance the visitor experience and enable our state parks to reemerge after years of decline.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a $34 million investment for NY Works projects to upgrade and repair seven parks on Long Island.

New York Works is designed to reinvent state economic development with innovative new strategy that will put New Yorkers back to work rebuilding the state’s infrastructure. The Task Force will help create tens of thousands of jobs by coordinating comprehensive capital plans, overseeing investment in infrastructure projects, and accelerating hundreds of critical projects across the state.

“New York State has passed for the second year in a row a transformative and balanced budget that holds the line on spending, while focusing on job creation and government efficiency,” Governor Cuomo said. “The centerpiece of this budget is the New York Works program, a new strategy for leveraging capital to put New Yorkers back to work and rebuilding our aging infrastructure including the state park system that is used by so many people across the state.”

Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos said, “Rehabilitating our parks is a critical step toward promoting the State’s cherished natural resources, generating tourism dollars for New York businesses and rebuilding our economy. I am pleased that the NY Works program will fund a number of important projects on Long Island and across the State, and I thank the Governor for his strong and steady leadership.”

Senator Owen H. Johnson said, “Our State Parks on Long Island are great gems and I am thrilled at the investment to improve two of our facilities in the 4th Senate District. The $3 million dedicated for repairs to the boat basin and marina facilities at Captree State Park is wonderful news for our charter fishing industry. Also, Belmont Lake State Park will receive a portion of a $500,000 investment dedicated to roadway repair. The rehabilitation of our parks gives Long Islanders jobs and great places to get away while avoiding the cost and expense of long distance travel during this tough economy.”

Senator Kemp Hannon said, “Parks constitute the spirit and the lifeblood of a society. Here on Long Island, our state parks offer abundant opportunities to enjoy recreation and connect with nature, but they have also been in need of significant repairs and upgrades. With the investments announced today, we are sparking the creation of jobs and following through on a vision to make Long Island’s parks shine once again.”

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. said, “Jones Beach is the jewel of the state’s parks system. Rehabilitating the West Bathhouse building and swimming pool, the boardwalk, and electrical and water systems are important steps in preserving the rich history of a Long Island landmark.
Millions and millions of visitors enjoy Jones Beach each year, and this investment will enable their continued enjoyment of visiting the beach and park for many years to come.”

Assemblyman Charles Lavine said, “As the weather warms, New York is preparing to provide outdoor experiences for all New Yorkers. Those preparations include $500,000 in state budget appropriations to fund enhancement to the Bethpage State Park Golf Course. This project isn’t just good news for golfers looking for an affordable facility, it also means a half million dollar investment in our community, something we can all cheer.”

The Budget continues the Governor’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while creating jobs and strengthening communities across the state. It closes a multi-billion dollar deficit with no new taxes, fees or gimmicks, limits spending growth to two percent or below for the second year in a row, and launches the New York Works Task Force to invest billions of dollars to rebuild the state’s roads, bridges, parks, and other infrastructure and create tens of thousands of jobs.

The Budget includes key economic development and transportation initiatives, important reforms to improve government efficiency, and measures to strengthen communities across the state.

New York Works Task Force

The New York Works Task Force will coordinate capital plans across 45 agencies and authorities, oversee investment in projects and access to funding, and facilitate the creation of tens of thousands of jobs.

Prior to the New York Works initiative, there was no comprehensive state plan for the $16 billion in annual capital expenditures by 45 state agencies and authorities. In some cases, including with respect to projects by the Port Authority, the MTA, and the Department of Transportation, billions of dollars of taxpayer or commuter funds are being used to fund transportation plans in the same region with no coordination between the agencies. For the first time, the New York Works Task Force will develop a coordinated capital infrastructure plan among agencies and authorities. The Task Force, made up of leaders in finance, labor, planning and transportation will also recommend financing options for projects and methods to accelerate construction of critical infrastructure.

The New York Works Task Force will consist of fifteen members. Nine of the members will be appointed by the Governor and six by the Legislature. All major state agencies and authorities will participate in an implementation council to coordinate capital planning.

All New York Works projects will be posted on the web with real-time updates so that New Yorkers can track the progress of projects in their community. The full list will be posted online over the next several days.

Rebuilding New York’s State Parks

The New York Works Fund will provide $89 million, leveraging $143 million in total funding, to rehabilitate state parks, representing the single largest infusion in history of capital dollars for New York’s parks. Currently, 83% of state parks are deteriorating. Projects will be funded in every region of the state and will enhance the visitor experience and enable our state parks to reemerge after years of decline.

Sunken Meadow State Park
Rehabilitate the heavily used beach bathhouse, which is a highly visible example of a deteriorated state park facility in one of Long Island’s most visited parks.
3,500,000
Total: